Senior Project Coordinator, Gift Acceptance and Fund Management

Department: Alumni Relations & Development
Salary/Grade: EXS/6

Target hiring range for this position will be between $60,000-$64,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data

Job Summary:

The Gift Acceptance and Fund Management team collaborates within its department-Alumni Relations and Development (ARD)- and across campus to manage all aspects of the gift agreement lifecycle and to support key processes and reporting related to the compliant spending of private gifts to the University.

The Senior Program Coordinator plays a critical role in sustaining the integrity of the University's gift and endowed fund management. Working within established legal, financial, and policy frameworks, the Senior Program Coordinator delivers advanced reporting, supports spending and fund-set-up workflows, and leads data quality and efficiency initiatives.

In close collaboration with senior team members, frontline fundraisers, Accounting Services, and other ARD and campus partners, the Senior Program Coordinator manages key components of the fund lifecycle-from routine reporting and spending-account processes to specialized research and complex fund set-ups. This role conducts nuanced data analysis, troubleshoots discrepancies across systems, and contributes to the development of new reports, automation opportunities, and process improvements that enhance transparency, compliance, and usability of gift and endowment information.

The Senior Program Coordinator reports to the Manager, Gifts and Endowments Compliance and works closely with other GAFM team members.

Specific Responsibilities:

Administration

• Oversee day-to-day gift and endowment compliance operations to ensure efficient, effective processes.
• Manage the monthly spending-account opening process in partnership with Accounting Services.
• Conduct targeted fund research related to donor intent and perform data analysis to support strategic decision-making.
• Review documentation, draft and distribute donor fund notifications, and manage follow-through for complex fund types (e.g., quasi-endowments, deferred gifts), applying judgment to interpret agreements and related documents.

Collaboration

• Work closely with frontline fundraisers, Donor Relations, Accounting Services, and other partners to ensure alignment on processes, accurate fund implementation, and a shared understanding of donor intent and University policy.

Evaluation

• Manage development and maintenance of evaluation processes including associated metrics and key performance indicators.
• Lead or support projects to improve data accuracy and consistency across fund-related systems; identify data gaps, propose solutions, and implement updates that strengthen data integrity and usability.
• Collaborate with internal/external partners to implement changes designed to achieve program objectives

Events

• Manage planning and arrangement of meetings, workshops, events, etc. designed to exchange information, promote development and compliance objectives, and t build internal and external relationships
• Manage event logistics, including communications, venue coordination, presenters, travel arrangements, materials, catering, and technology.

Program Development

• Gather, analyze, and consolidate comparative or historical data to produce summaries, presentations, and insights that inform leadership planning and decision-making.

Regulatory Compliance

• Manage development & implementation of processes & procedures for gift and fund compliance programs.
• Supports development and implementation of associated training.

Strategic Planning

• Manage & implement strategic plans related to ARD's donor fund compliance efforts.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's in business, accounting or a related field + 2 years program administration or similar experience; or 4 years program administration or similar experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience working with complex data, reporting tools, or CRM/finance systems (e.g., Salesforce, Advance, Oracle, or similar).

• Experience in higher education, advancement/development operations, finance, or a related field.

• Familiarity with gift agreements, endowment or expendable fund management, or fund compliance processes.

• Experience interpreting policy or procedural guidelines and applying them to operational work.

• Demonstrated process-improvement or project-management experience, particularly involving data integrity or workflow optimization.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data, identify discrepancies, and recommend solutions.

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to summarize information clearly for non-technical audiences.

• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional partners and to exercise sound judgment in handling sensitive information.

• Advanced proficiency in Excel or similar tools (e.g., complex formulas, data validation, pivot tables) and comfort learning new systems or automation tools.

• Ability to synthesize data into concise insights for leadership or cross-unit stakeholders.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.